The Brain and Addiction
This brain chemical is released in much larger amounts by addictive drugs than by natural rewards, reinforcing repeated use
Dopamine
According to the CDC, the human brain continues developing until about this age.
25
Alcohol is classified as this type of drug because it slows brain activity.
Depressant
This medication can reverse an opioid overdose.
Naloxone (Narcan)
Using more than one drug at the same time or close together is called this.
Polysubstance Abuse
Addiction weakens this part of the brain, making impulse control and decision‑making more difficult.
Prefrontal Cortex
True or False:
Regular cannabis use during adolescence can affect memory, attention, and learning new information.
True
True or False:
You cannot die from alcohol withdrawal.
False
Naloxone works by blocking these receptors in the brain.
Opioid Receptors
Nearly this percentage of overdose deaths involve more than one substance.
Almost 50%
Because addiction changes brain circuits, it is classified medically as this type of condition rather than a moral failure.
Chronic Brain Disease
About this fraction of people who use cannabis will develop cannabis use disorder.
3/10
Medical supervision during alcohol detox is important because untreated withdrawal can lead to this medical emergency.
Seizures
True or False:
Naloxone will cause harm if opioids are not present, making it safe when the overdose type is uncertain.
False: Narcan is safe even if opioids are not present.
Mixing stimulants and depressants is dangerous because the effects can mask warning signs and increase the risk of what?
Overdose
Can your brain heal?
True: Brain imaging shows that dopamine function can improve with sustained recovery.
Higher‑THC cannabis products increase the risk of anxiety, paranoia, and this serious mental health symptom
Psychosis
This life‑threatening alcohol withdrawal condition can include confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.
Delirium Tremens
How much Narcan do you use when someone is experiencing an overdose?
It depends. It should be about 1 dose every minute and a half to two minutes until emergency response comes or if their breathing returns to normal. Higher potency and longer‑lasting effects= more doses for a span of time.
Many overdoses occur unintentionally because drugs are contaminated with this powerful opioid.
Fentanyl
Research shows people engaged in harm reduction are more likely to later enter this.
Treatment